Obituary of Mary Ann Majchrzak

Mary Majchrzak, a woman devoted to her family, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, November 25, 2018.  She was 88 years old. Mary was born in Boston, the daughter of Elmer and Mary Nickerson.  She grew up in East Boston and was a proud graduate of “Eastie” High.  She grew up in a close knit family of eight, herself being “number three” in the family with six children. Mary had a wonderful childhood and many loving memories, including lots of ice skating and playing at the neighborhood playground and stage “Nickerson Playground” made by hand by her father for all the kids and their friends to enjoy. She adored both her parents often calling her mother the best person she ever knew. She married her husband, Henry “Hank” Majchrzak, in 1952.  It was love at first sight for both and a love that continued on even after Hank’s passing after 63 years of marriage. After the birth of their first child in East Boston, Hank was stationed in Miami with the Coast Guard where they lived happily (and thriftly!) for a short while. It was the first of many moves, mainly for Hank’s work, that they would make together and with their children. They lived in Beachmont and Point Pleasant Beach and Tom’s River, New Jersey, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Revere before finally settling in Burlington.  With each move there was a new house which Mary made into a loving home. There were new schools and new friends for her children and new opportunities and communities for her and Hank to enjoy. Each and every move, Mary made sure the entire family was happy and thriving. Hank understood and appreciated how Mary handled all those challenges and when they lived out-of-state he made it a point to get Mary and the kids back to Massachusetts to be with their families as much as possible. Family meant everything to them. Their final move was in 1975 when they settled in Burlington which was their home for the next 43 years. 

Mary was not one to join clubs or take up hobbies. She was very happy and content taking care of her family and her home.  She was always there for her children when they were young as well when they were adults.  She was always available to babysit her grandchildren whenever necessary.  Over the years, she worked a few part time jobs in retail but her passion was when she worked successively over 10 years for two different families doing in-home childcare for their sons. They were her second families and they held a special place in her heart and she in theirs.  She enjoyed family vacations in New Hampshire, the Irish Village and Eastover. She was a life-long Red Sox fan watching or listening to most every game played. She loved music, country music in particular, Marty Robbins and Patsy Kline to name a few of her favorites.  Nothing made her happier than the birth of each of her eight grandchildren.  She loved going to their school events, recitals, sports, activities, and special events.  Her life work was caring for and loving her family. 

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Henry “Hank” Majchrzak. She was the loving mother to John Majchrzak & his wife Karen of Kendall Park, NJ, Mary Ann Gruttner & her husband Jim of Lynnfield, Tery Berardinelli & her husband Steve of Walpole and Kris Hickey & her husband Rob of Bedford. She was the sister of Doris Rose of MO, John Nickerson of NH, Michael Nickerson of Revere, and late Marge McGilvery and Ann King. She was the proud grandmother of Michael & Lisa Majchrzak, Kendall Gruttner, Andrew, Elyse & Luke Berardinelli and Owen & Will Hickey.

 A visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, Nov. 30 from 3-7 p.m. Concluding with Funeral Services at 7:00 pm. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Mary’s name may be made to the ALS Association MA Chapter, 685 Canton St., Suite 103, Norwood, MA 02062 or www.als-ma.org. For directions obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net